I know there was a lot of chatter about this topic several months ago but, to my recollection, there wasn't anyone that jumped the hump and had the handle portion of the assembly painted to match the bucket...

Or, if there was, I never caught it...

So, with that in mind, can someone give me a little glimpse into what it would take to paint the chrome portion of the LT handle? I know that it comes apart (I recall DZ talking about the logisitics of the handle separation from the bucket) but, I'd really like to hear from someone that has actually done it.

I may try to have some of this stuff done this winter (mirrors, handles, b-pillars) and thought I'd ask the group to really try to get this plan together.

Thanks guys.

RP

 

I have taken the handle from the bucket and painted the bucket, but not the handle. If you are going to go to the trouble of painting the handle, wouldn't it be easier to paint a stock set of handles? The price on the LT's have gone up a LOT since I got mine a while ago. They are pretty much the same other than the stocker's have that slight rough finish that is easily sanded off, plus if you paint the LT handles they will need to be sanded anyway to get the paint to stick. If you would like to do this, and don't want to have your truck torn apart while doing this, I have 2 sets of stock handles for a SuperCab (3 handles in each set). One set with keypad on driver's side, and one set with no keypad and lock holes in both fronts. Since you have a king ranch, you need 5 handles so if you wanted to use mine, you'd need to buy the set w/ keypad and then you would have to figure out something with your rear doors. Lemme know if you can use em and I'll hook you up!

 

Thanks Matt... I'll let you know.

I think painting the handles would be easier than painting the entire bucket but, that's just me.

I did my own tailgate handle and, honestly, I'm not super-pleased with how it looks. From a distance, it looks fine but, get up close to it and you can still see a tad of texture. That darn thing took a LONG time to sand too!

So, with that in mind, I want to go with the least amount of work... ie: the LT handles.

I'll have a shop paint them... and will replace the tailgate handle while I'm there.

RP

 

Ok, I see your point! I remember sanding down the mirrors on my car that had textured plastic and seems like one came out smoother/shinier than the other. Good luck on em!

 

The LT handle portion would be more of a pain to paint than the stock handle I think. There is a rubber backing on the inside of the handle which would give a place to where paint would be able to peel up easily (unless there is way to remove and replace this rubber backing). Anyway, it might be the way to go to sand your stock handles, and have them painted, and place them in the LT buckets? Just a thought. I wasn't too keen on the extra little bit of added chrome on my truck, I thought it would look tacky, but it looks just right IMO. The handles add just a small accent of chrome that looks great. I think the chrome handles would look SWEET on your truck. If you are going to get the LT handles, I say throw them on with the chrome handles on them. It is only about a 20-30 minutes install per side.

One tip on the install....Where the rod for the handle goes from the handle assembly itself to the inside door latch, I have read several people have wiggled the handle off of the rod, which can easily scratch the door. If you look inside your door, once you have it apart, look where the actuator rod meets the door latch inside. You will see a green (I think its green from what I can remember) clip. This clip can be undone from the rod with a hook screwdriver. Once you unhook this clip the rod comes right up and out with the handle, and makes it much easier to get the handle out. Then, when you put the new handle in, just set the actuator rod back into the clip, and latch the clip. Done. Does that make sense? I tried it the hard way until my uncle (body shop guy 25+ years) told me to just undo the clip. Saved a lot of work and possibly scratches.

Anyway, try the chrome handles on there, you may like the look. And if you plan on buying them them anyway, might as well see how you like the look in person. Hope I could help!

 

Some time ago “asinatra” put out a list of LT handle part numbers. On that list are numbers for “paint to match” handles where the straps and buckets are unpainted (no chrome) so you can paint both to match your truck. That’s the way I’m going.

 

I did not realize that. Interesting.

Now I need to see if I can dig up that thread.

 

Thanks for the help roboots. I just can't convince myself that the chrome with the arizona beige will look 'right'. It almost seems like the two colors would contrast eachother rather than compliment eachother.

I didn't realize that there was a paint to match option on the handles... I'm 99% sure I'm going to go that route.